Overview

This article explores the benefits of coconut oil. We will go through Parkinson’s disease which induces failure in brain function and how coconut oil’s properties can be a multiplayer. Let’s dive in and decipher what coconut oil does. 

Coconut oil benefits by having a medium chain of fatty acid that works to lower triglycerides (lipid fat). 

Coconut oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory, fungal and microbial. 

Virgin coconut oil vs. regular coconut oil 

The difference between virgin and regular coconut oil exists where they are extracted. Regular coconut oil comes from dried coconut kernel whereas virgin coconut oil comes from fresh coconut dairy. 

Regular coconut oil is trans fat (an unsaturated fat). The virgin coconut oil is a composition of a fatty acid chain. The interesting property of virgin coconut oil is its greater antioxidant.

Potential side effects of coconut oil 

Digestive issues 

So far, we think coconut oil is a key source of antioxidants. However, coconut oil consumption can induce bad cholesterol.⁸ Coconut oil’s properties that aid brain function can also be unhealthy and there is a risk of getting heart disease or stroke. 

The combination of some medicated drugs and taking coconut oil must be searched or visiting your local GP is advised. Coconut oil side effects are identified as the following: 

• Headache 
• Nausea 
• Swollen glands
• Dizziness 
• Loss and chill stool
• Diarrhea 

Allergic reactions 

Contact dermatitis is a type of allergic reaction. Coconut oil incorporated in other products it is difficult to isolate coconut oil as an allergic factor. We need to go through the ingredient as it is rare or not thinking that coconut oil can be an allergen. Contact dermatitis symptoms shows: 

• Rash
• Itching 
• Dry skin 

And yet, coconut oil in terms of its allergic reactions are not common. Coconut oil or any other form can be included in many foods, reading the ingredients in bold for allergic reactions can be a preventive way.

Parkinson’s disease cause and symptoms

Let’s explore Parkinson’s Disease (PD) causes in more context, shall we?

PD occurs when the brain's nerve cell starts to die. Dopamine levels are abnormally reduced and a patient begins to not be able to control their movement and have impaired movement. Patients living with PD can interfere with oxidative stress (as the level of dopamine is reduced to trigger oxidative stresses), which could be frustrating to PD senior patients and so they are supervised by a healthcare assistant. 

Stiffness in muscles makes it hard to walk, seniors experience ‘freezing episodes’ which means they are stuck during their walk. 

Oxidative stress (gaining more oxygen to the cells) is common in neurodegenerative diseases in PD and also in Alzheimer's and Multiple sclerosis.¹

To explain how oxidative stress is induced due to low dopamine levels, we have to know the mechanism that triggers oxidation. The dopamine levels are reuptake (reabsorbing reused dopamine before and then are oxidised). Then when the patient is diagnosed with PD along with reuptake dopamine can promote oxidation stress.¹ Too much dopamine in cells makes the muscle stiffen as seen in PD.¹ 

Benefits of coconut oil for Parkinson’s disease

Potential neuroprotective effects

Ketone bodies have a neuroprotective effect towards PD patients. Glucose levels are lacking to convert energy to the brain and so by consuming coconut oil, the triglyceride fuels the ketone energy to burn fat from the liver to the brain showing a progressive performance seeing muscle ability is gained.

Anti-inflammatory properties 

Coconut oil is also known to be a lauric acid which is an anti-inflammatory and saturated fat. Lauric acid is notably found in vegetable food and in coconut oil.⁷ Lauric acid in coconut shows an easy metabolism in the liver, where ketone bodies are produced to transport the ketone energy to the heart and the brain. With PD, the properties of lauric acid processed during indigestion show ketone energy circulates to the blood-brain barrier to inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Antioxidant properties 

DrAxe demonstrates that coconut oil can elevate the level of Ketone¹ (type of energy). The ketone process occurs in digestion when ingested food is broken down to obtain Ketone energy and releases antioxidants like vitamin E can increase the level of dopamine in PD.

Similarly, polyphenolic compounds with different ranges are also found in extra virgin olive and coconut oil, helping with dietary nutrients. The antioxidant shows evidence that can improve the brain cells in PD or in dementia patients.⁶

Furthermore, Dr Newport's podcast illustrates how vegetable foods improve the brain function of PD patients. She states that the insulin level (glucose) transported to the brain is insufficient. The alternative to counter the lack of glucose is triglyceride or MTC oil which is extracted from coconut oil with 60% of triglyceride.

Summary

So, coconut oil…. The hero/heroines? Not quite! It is not an essential oil.
Coconut oil is a saturated fatty acid chain, a new tip from Dr Newport suggests consuming coconut oil in small amounts of teaspoon. Dr Newport suggests incorporating coconut oil as a replacement in dietary. Coconut oil consumption can increase weight and gain bad cholesterol and should be used in consideration.⁶